可動

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 可動(かどう) means movable and appears in constructions such as 可動式 and 可動部分 that describe a following noun.
• Basic usage: It describes structures whose position or angle can change, such as a doll's joints or parts of a shelf.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The homophone 稼働
  • 稼働 is also read かどう, but refers to machinery or facilities being in operation.
  • 可動 focuses on a structural capacity for movement; 稼働 focuses on functioning or operation.
• Which part moves
  • 可動部分 identifies the part designed to move within a larger object, specifying what needs inspection.